Welcome to the Christmas season. I found this delightful reflection to share with you and was unable to find a author citation. “Every year I have a familiar experience. I'm out shopping, and go through the checkout line, and pay for my stuff. When the cashier hands me the change or charge slip, they say "Happy holidays," or perhaps even "Merry Christmas."
I realize this comment is not always motivated by the cashier's genuine interest in whether or not I enjoy my holiday. I'm aware they may be saying this because they've been told to. I can envision the memo from K mart corporate headquarters directing cashiers when to switch from "Have a nice day" to "Happy Holidays," on the assumption that this will somehow help cement a lasting bond between the store and the customer that won't evaporate when a Wal-Mart opens across the street.
But at least once every year, I have a cashier who looks me in the eye and says "Merry Christmas," and really means it. And it changes my whole day.
There really is something genuine to this whole idea of Christmas cheer. As December 25th draws near, people warm up just a bit. Notice that people are friendlier than on any other day of the year. Folks warm up when they are mindful of the Christ child's birth, and make an extra effort to practice the virtues the angels sing of - "peace on earth, goodwill towards men."
But consider this - why do we notice this at Christmas? Why does this surge in warm-heartedness stand out? I think it's because, despite our best intentions, good will towards men can easily become a seasonal event rather than a standing policy.
When Jesus entered our world, he didn't come to brighten our Decembers, but to transform our lives. It can be hard work to practice good will towards one another. The Gospel accounts of Jesus' ministry provide the blueprint for loving our neighbor in a busy and complicated neighborhood. Jesus made a point of seeking out the broken and disenfranchised people of his day - and he saw the value in each one of them. And in so doing, He helped them recognize the value in themselves.
This Christmas season, let’s recognize that just as faith is a decision, good will towards people is a series of decisions that work themselves out not in temporary holiday cheer, but in the details of everyday life”.